Written by Chris Grippo & Inspired by John Philbin
Editor's Note: On CKTH.com, the gentleman kneeling in the white G-Land T-Shirt is CKTH Ambassador, John Philbin: one of the infamous Ex-Presidents in the original Point Break with Patrick Swayze & Keanu (i.e., see the Jimmy Carter mask, #johnnyutahlives). The photo campaign's hero image is an homage to John Philbin's final scene on the tarmac ... And the actual XIIIG photoshoot happened in San Diego County on November 15, 2024 (Yes, the US Navy F/A-18 in the shot is real). Nearly a year later, Chris Grippo's article is inspired and written, via the granite state of New Hampshire (Cinnamon Rainbows shout out). Many thanks once again to the author behind the below words; and much love to John Philbin, for his work as Nathanial. Cheers & Enjoy
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As I reflect on Point Break, easily one of my favorite movies, I think about a number of sub themes: One is the overall assembly of characters. Another is the battle that some people face with fitting-into societal norms. And yet another is the overall quest for a successful and fulfilling life – amongst many other elements!
Honestly, the depth of this topic could consume a college film studies or sociology class. And if said class existed, it certainly would have been cool. And my collegiate elective course GPA would have likely fared a lot better!
In any case, it is the cast of characters in Point Break that I find the most interesting. As any true fan of this film knows, Johnny Utah is the movie’s white knight. As the story unfolds, we uncover more about his true nature; and we see some patina develop on the samurai-esque-blade that is Johnny’s initial persona.
Imperfection at its best.
Then you have Bodhi. Courtesy of the legend that is Patrick Swayze: a searcher, a ripping surfer and Zen-guru-like leader who is unquestionably a bad guy in the end. That said, when you think about the multitude of society’s confines, and how the individual is often forced to conform, Bodhi is simultaneously a flawed Byronic Hero that represents individual freedoms. Johnny Utah can sense Bodhi’s underlying flicker of goodness — but eventually knows that Bodhi’s recklessness is stronger than his sense of duty.
Alas, a perfectly imperfect villain.
Beyond Bhodi, we have the assembly of supporting Ex Presidents: Nixon, Carter, and LBJ – aka Grommet, Roach and Nathanial. Each of them embodies that classic surfer archetype.
But the one that stands out to me, and if I were cast in Point Break – I’d choose Nathanial: played perfectly by CKTH Ambassador and Team Rider for XIIIG (aka “13G”), John Philbin.
Nathanial aka “Jimmy Carter” is the quiet, guarded and untrusting member of the Ex-Presidents. Not the first to get up and speak or show off – as Grommet might. Rather, Nathaniel is steadfast, succinct and clear whenever he’s making a point.
I see him more as the quiet protector of the group. He is dismissive to outsiders – even those who might have a pass from Bhodi, the unspoken leader. This is evidenced by Nathanial’s well-timed “lawyers don’t surf” rebuttal – just after the beach football dustup with Johnny.
In this respect, Nathaniel exudes that free-thinking-yet-pack-driven surfer mentality – mixed with a certain swag that is gained only in challenging oneself via conditions that will dish out a world of hurt – and where one must have the willingness to "pay the ultimate price" to achieve it.
As Nathanial said, "that's how I want to go” – in response to Bodhi’s explaining the 50 Year Storm (to which Tyler exclaimed “big wave riding is for macho assholes with a deathwish”). But I digress.
Beyond the swell-chasing bravado, Nathanial is also different in his presentation. He appears cleancut with shorter hair. No doubt that a surfer of Nathanial’s caliber needs a cut that doesn't blind a critical late drop or vicious backside (or frontside) hack!
Importantly, Nathanial also rocks a solid Errol Flynn inspired mustache and beard game (though a far cry from the likes of Thomas Magnum or Tombstone's Wyatt Earp … Another John Philbin classic).
In short, Nathanial’s style is the stuff of pure legend. The perfect underground surfer character by Hollywood design? He’s in the running for sure.
Whenever I have sat back on the couch, slugged a swig of beer and re-watched Point Break (and believe me I have seen it countless times), I had no doubt that Nathanial was the coolest character. More than the other Ex-Presidents, I’ve wondered where he came from and how he ended up joining Bodhi’s band of pirates. It would have been cool to see his character more developed.
And so the original flick leaves me with questions.
Was Nathanial like many lifelong surfers that also have a normal corporate life? Or is he the guy that simply never misses a firing swell, a pumping bonfire bash or any other of ‘those days’ – because well, we better do it while we are young? Behold: the age-old search for freedom from the confines of a normal and overly-prescribed life!
Without question, Nathanial unfailingly represents the free thinkers that never joined the ranks of those “dead souls inching along the freeways in their metal coffins" – as Bodhi famously exclaimed.
And what about his background? Is Nathanial a former or failed pro surfer trying to make ends meet? Did he come from a military or criminal life long ago? Was he a “trustafarian” with a thirst for misguided adventure?
Let’s face it: Somehow along the way, Nathanial assembled some serious skill sets beyond his big wave prowess. Let’s just start with his penchant for freefall skydiving – water landings included. On top of that, you have Nathanial’s firearms training.
I guess if the trustafarian theory won-out then he could have been a pro surfer, free soul who learned to professionally skydive and shoot guns. And the enigma continues.
Interestingly, perhaps Nathanial’s former life is akin to an early 90’s version of Bunker Spreckels (minus the flamboyance, drugs and outright self-destructive behavior). You see, rather than be the leader of his own posse, Nathanial is one that chooses to stay out of the limelight, but still reap the rewards (e.g., brotherhood, amazing waves and criminal misadventure).
Supposedly there has been speculation about making a follow-on movie – where we find that Bodhi actually survived. Maybe he really did paddle all the way to New Zealand? This being said, why do the script writers have to kill Nathanial anyways?
Respectfully, since Swayze is no longer with us, why couldn't the script be written such that Nathanial survived? I mean, it’s not out of the question that Nathanial was miraculously revived on the tarmac for crying out loud. Stranger things have happened in real life.
Then again, at the film’s end, it could also just be karma paying Nathanial the ultimate price — for all those years of pillaging epic surf.
Personally, I think it would be phenomenal to share a few waves, split a sixer of beer and shoot the breeze with Nathanial.
Special shout out to John Philbin once again!
And for Nathanial? Until Valhalla my friend. ‘Till Valhalla
